Maverick and Goose eject, but Goose hits the jettisoned aircraft canopy head-first and is killed. Although the board of inquiry clears Maverick of responsibility for Goose's death, he is overcome by guilt and his flying skill diminishes. Charlie and others attempt to console him, but Maverick considers retiring.

Why did Maverick and Goose crash?

Unfortunately, by the time Iceman got out of the way, it was too late; Maverick was too close on his tail, causing him to fly directly through the jet wash. ... While Maverick was able to safely eject, Goose didn't; he hit the canopy on his way out with the intense impact causing his death.

Why does Goose hit the canopy?

9 Answers. Some sources I found claiming the event was real: A flat spin creates a low-pressure area and stalls the canopy when ejected. Producers wanted a midair crash but based this accident on a real-life incident instead.